UNOG

Some 9,000 visitors flocked to the Palais des Nations under bright blue skies for an Open Day organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva on 15 September 2012 to mark the tenth anniversary of Switzerland’s accession to the United Nations.

Brazilian drums gave a decisively festive beat in the Assembly Hall and children ran in solemn hallways more accustomed to quiet conversations among men in dark suits, while curious visitors learned about solar power and refugee registration in the Ariana Park. When the doors opened at 11 a.m. in the morning, hundreds of families from Geneva or surrounding areas as well as tourists passing through the city were already queuing on the Place des Nations to enter the ground of the United Nations.

The programme focused on democracy (15 September being the International Day of Democracy) and sustainable energy (2012 is the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all). Visitors could participate in dozens of activities, including concerts, dances and other cultural performances organized with the help of member states, film screenings, debates on democracy, exhibitions, quizzes and sports as well as many games for young children.

Over 100 United Nations staff, easily identifiable thanks to their white and blue t-shirts, volunteered their time to make the Day a success, and visitors unanimously praised their helpfulness and courtesy.

Pictures and interviews with enthusiastic visitors are available on the Facebook page created for the event: Open Day Facebook

On the occasion of this Open Day, the United Nations offers a true cultural festival!

Dance shows, concerts, a Japanese tea ceremony and a fashion show will be performed on four different stages within the Palais des Nations. These events are organized with the support of the Permanent Missions of Brazil, Burundi, China, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia and Romania, as well as the UN Music Club.

Visitors can also listen to “Story Telling” organized by the “International Organization of La Francophonie”

First-time performances:

The Permanent Mission of Italy, with the support of Bayer, BCC Barlassina and Elior, present: “A Stradivarius for the United Nations”, an exceptional concert played on an original 1726 Antonio Stradivari violin.

The Permanent Mission of Mexico will offer a piano recital by the world-known pianist Jorge Viladoms Weber.

Film screening

Films produced by the United Nations, other international organizations and Member States will be screened in two rooms (the exact timetable will be published at a later date).Cinéma 1 (Room XI)Cinéma 2 (Room XIX)

10th anniversary of Switzerland's membership in the UN

2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Switzerland's membership of the United Nations; on this occasion, you will be able to:

participate in the television show “Pardonnez-moi” by the Radio Télévision Suisse, presented by Mr. Darius Rochebin, which will be recorded in the magnificent Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by the famous artist Miquel Barcelò. This event is organized with the support of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland.

visit the information stand presented by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland

learn more on the beehives offered to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) by Switzerland on the occasion the 10th anniversary of Switzerland's membership in the United Nations, from the explanations provided by experts of the “Société genevoise d’apiculture”

Permanent Missions will help you discover their countries and the specific aspects of their cultures.

United Nations funds, programmes and agencies will help you learn about their activities through interactive and fun events.

Thus you will be able to discover life in a refugee camp thanks to the exhibition of tents and emergency equipment, as well as the use of improved stoves; organized by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research), with the participation of UNOSAT (UNITAR's Operational Satellite Applications Programme), will demonstrate the use of "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" (UAVs), which will take and transmit aerial pictures of the Palais des Nations and the Ariana Park.